Control apparatus for railway signaling means



Oct. 31, 1944. w WELLS 2,361,516

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALING MEANS Filed May 29, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Mi T 25 M2 N012 Maynezc' Z7 INVENTOR LUrZeyBll/ellm.

ATTO R N EY 'Oct. 31, 1944. w, WELLS 2,361,516

CONTROL API ARATUS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALING MEANS Filed llay 29, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Marley well! BYQzf I [115' ATTORNEY 44L izy4.

Get. 31, 1944. w. B; WELLS 2,361,516

' common APPARATUS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALING MEANS Filed May 29, 1943 s sheets-sheet s INVENTOR H16 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 31, 1944 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALING MEANS Wesley B. Wells, Wilkinsburg, Pa., assignor to The Union Switch & Signal Company Swissvale, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 29, 1943, Serial No. 489,009

13 Claims.

My invention relates to control apparatus for railway signaling means, and more particularly to control apparatus wherewith two electromagnets having tractive type armatures which jointly govern a signaling member are selectively energized through a polarized supply circuit.

An object of my invention is the provision of novel and improved control apparatus wherewith a member is selectively governed to different positions by two electromagnets.

Another object of my invention is the provision of improved control apparatus wherewith two electromagnets having interconnected tractive type armatures for joint operation of a member are energized by a polarized line circuit and the armature of one of the magnets is locked or otherwise retained at its released position when current of a given polarity is supplied to that magnet, and the other magnet is energized at the same polarity regardless of the polarity of the current of the supply circuit.

Still another object of my invention is the provision of improved control apparatus of the type here involved and wherewith one of two electromagnets having tractive type armatures is equipped with contacts through which the connection of the other magnet is controlled to govern the polarity of the energization of such other magnet.

Other objects, features and advantages of my invention will appear as the specification progresses.

According to my invention, a suppl circuit including a source of direct current and a pole changer supplies current of different polarities to the windings of a pair of electromagnets, the windings of the electromagnets being either connected in series or in multiple to the circuit. These magnets are provided with tractive type or neutral armatures which preferably are interconnected for joint operation of a signal actuating member to difierent positions according to the released and picked-up positions of the armatures. One of the electromagnets is equipped with looking or retaining means to retain the neutral armature of such one magnet at its released position when the current is of a preselected polarity, but such locking means is ineffective and the neutral armature is free to pick up when the current is of the opposite polarity. This one electromagnet is equipped with contacts which are actuated when the magnet is conditioned to pick up its neutral armature, and these contacts are used either alone or with asymmetric units to govern the connection to the winding of the other one of the electromagnets in such a manner that the current flows always in the same direction in the winding of the other magnet irrespective of the polarity of the current of the supply circuit.

The second mentioned electromagnet is provided with a retaining characteristic, such as a slow release period and its armature is retained picked up during pole changing periods of the supply circuit. The two neutral armatures of this pair of electromagnets are thus operated to different positions according to the polarity of the current of the supply circuit, and being intercom nected they are effective to move a signal actuating member to any one of three positions, a first position when the electromagnets are deenergized and both neutral armatures are released, a second position when current of a preselected polarity is supplied and the armature of the first mentioned electromagnet is retained at the released position but the armature of the second mentioned electromagnet is picked up, and to a third position when current of the polarity opposite the preselected polarity is supplied and the armatures of both magnets are picked up.

I shall describe several forms of apparatus embodying my invention, and shall then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are diagrammatic views showing five different forms of the apparatus, each of which form of apparatus embodies my invention when used for searchlight type of railway signals.

In each of the several views like reference characters are used to designate similar parts,

It is to be understood that my invention is not limited to searchlight type of railway signals, and this one application serves to illustrate the many places where apparatus embodying my invention is useful.

Referring to Fig. l, the reference characters LI and L2 designate the two conductors of a line or supply circuit which includes a pole changer PC and a source of direct current, such as a battery Bl, the positive and negative terminals of the battery being indicated by plus and minus signs respectively. Pole changer PC may be manually operated or may be operated automatically in accordance with different traflic or other conditions. At a mid position, that is, the position of pole changer PC shown in the drawings, the supply circuit is without current, at a lower position of the pole changer, current which I shall call normal polarity is supplied to the circuit,

and at an upper position of the pole changer the cLurent is of reverse polarity.

The reference characters MI and M2 designate a first and a second electromagnet, respectively. These electromagnets are preferably similar in construction and may take any one of several well-known arrangements. As shown, each magnet MI and M2 has a magnetizable core MC which terminates in two pole pieces I and 2, and with which pole pieces a tractive type armature cooperates, an armature Al being pivoted at 3 for swinging movement toward and away from pole pieces l and 2 of magnet MI, and an armature A2 being pivoted at 4 for swinging movement toward and away from pole pieces I and 2 of magnet M2. In Fig. 1, magnet MI is further provided with a polar armature Pl, comprising a permanent magnet 5 having a north pole N and a south pole S and pivoted at B for swinging movement either to the left toward pole piece I or to the right toward pole piece 2 according to the polarity of the pole pieces I and 2 as created by the energization of magnet Mi. Furthermore, polar armature Pi is disposed so that when it swings to the left toward pole piece I in response to energization of magnet Ml or" a preselected polarity, the free end of armatur Pl swings to a position where it is adjacent a nonmagnetizable strip 1 carried on armature Al and the polar armature Pl mechanically locks the neutral armature Al against movement toward the pole pieces. When magnet MI i energized at a polarity such that polar armature Pl swings toward pole piece 2, the free end of armature Pl swings away from the strip 1 and the neutral armature Al is free to move toward the pole pieces in response to the attraction created by energization of the magnet. Also, polar armature PI is disposed to remain in the position to which it was last moved when the magnet MI is deenergized, and is characterized by movement to the opposite position when current has been applied to the magnet for an interval suficient to move the armature away from its last position, even though such energization is interrupted during the movement of the armature. In other words, when magnet MI is deenergized, its neutral ar mature Al falls by gravity to a released position, when the magnet MI is energized by current of a preselected polarity polar armature Pl swings to the left toward pole piece I and mechanically locks the neutral armature Al at the released position, but when magnet MI is energized by current of a polarity opposite this preselected polarity, the polar armature Pl swings to the right toward pole piece 2 and the neutral armature is unlocked and attracted to a picked-up position.

Polar armature PI of magnet Ml is operativcly connected to a contact member 8 as indicated by a dotted line 9, and contact member 8 is moved to engage either a normal contact In or a reverse contact ll according to the position of the polar armature.

Magnet MI is provided with two windings i2 and [3 which are mounted on the core MC in such a manner as to create additive fluxe when these windings are energized in series. Similarly, magnet M2 is provided with two windings l4 and I5 which are mounted on its magnetic core in such a manner as to create fluxes that add when the windings are energized in series.

The neutral armatures Al and A2 are preferably interconnected by any suitable linkage, and in Fig. l a floating lever 16 has its ends connected to the free ends of armatures Al and A2 by means of a pin and slot connection 11. One end of a link 18 is pivotally connected to the floating lever IG intermediate its ends, and the other end of link I8 is pivotally connected to a lug l9 formed on one side of a signal actuating member 20, member 20 being pivotally supported at 2!. This actuating member 20 is disclosed as a spectable arm of a searchlight type of railway signal and is provided with three color filters or roundels R, Y and G, arranged to cooperate with an electric lamp SL. In the drawings, the lamp SL is shown above the filters for the purpose of illustration, and it is to be understood that in actual practice this lamp is located for the filters to be moved consecutively in front of the lamp when the member 20 is rotated about its pivot 2 I. The arrangement of this linkage is such that when both armatures Al and A2 are released the member 20 i biased by the armatures to a first position where the filter R is positioned before the lamp SL to provide a red signal light, when either armature Al or A2 is attracted to its picked-up position and the other armature is released, the member 29 is moved to a second position where the filter Y is positioned before the lamp to provide a yellow signal light, and when both armatures Al and A2 are picked up the member 20 is moved to a third position where filter G is positioned before the lamp to provide a green signal light.

The electromagnets MI and M2 are energized by the polarized supply circuit referred to hereinbefore, and it is believed that the connection of the windings of the magnets to conductors LI and L2 of the supply circuit can best be understood by a description of the operation of the apparatus.

In describing the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, I shall first assume that pole changer PC occupies its mid position and no current is supplied to the line circuit with the result that both magnets MI and M2 are deenergized and both armatures Al and A2 are released so that member 20 is operated to its first position Where the filter R is before the lamp SL.

I shall next assume that the pole changer PC is moved to its lower position and at which position current fioWs from the positive terminal of battery Bl through contact member 22 of pole changer PC, conductor Ll, winding I3 of magnet Ml, normal polar contact 8l0 of magnet MI, wire 23, windings I 4 and IS in series of magnet M2, an asymmetric unit 24 in its forward direction, wire 25, winding l2 of magnet Ml, conductor L2 and contact member 26 of thepole changer to the negative terminal of battery Bl. To agree with the assumption made hereinbefore, the current supplied to the line circuit is of normal polarity and the. parts are preselected for current of normal polarity to energize magnet MI as required to operate its polar armature PI to the left to mechanically lock the neutral armature Al in the released position and to close normal polar contact 8--l0. Armature A2 of magnet M2 is, however, attracted to its picked-up position due to the energization of windings l4 and 15, with the result that the signal actuating member 20 is moved to its second position where the filter Y is positioned before the lamp SL.

I shall next assume that the pole changer PC is operated from its lower to its upper position. Current now flows from the positive terminal of battery Bl through contact member 22 of the pol changer, conductor L2, winding [2, wire 25, an asymmetric unit 21 in its forward direction, wire 23, polar contact 8-|0, winding l3, conductor LI and contact member 26 to the negative terminal of the battery. The electromagnet Mi only receives current at this time and its energization is opposite to that of the previous case with the result the polar armature PI is moved to the right where it unlocks the neutral armature Al and closes the reverse polar contact 8-l I. The opening of normal polar contact 8-H! and the closing of reverse polar con-' tact 8li causes current to flow from battery BI the same as traced above up to wire 23, thence through windings I4 and I of magnet M2, wire 28, reverse polar contact 8| I, winding [3, conductor LI and contact member 26 to the negative terminal of the battery. 'Magnets MI and M2 are now energized in series, the energization of magnet Ml being of reverse polarity so that polar armature PI is held at the right and neutral armature Al is picked up. The current flows in windings I4 and I5 of magnet M2 in the same direction as in the previous case, and its armature A2 is retained picked up. It should be pointed out that asymmetric units 24 and 21 in series form a low resistance path across windings I4 and I5 and provide the electromagnet M2 with a slow release characteristic, the slow release period being sufiiciently long to bridge the usual pole changing period of pole changer PC plus the period required for operation of polar armature Pl of the magnet MI, and consequently the armature A2 of magnet M2 is held picked up during the reversal of the polarity of the current supplied to the conductors LI and L2. Such retaining of armature A2 in its picked-up position during pole changing period of the supply circuit is essential in .control of railway signaling .means, such as searchlight signals, in order to avoid a momentar y flash of the red signal light. With both armatures AI and A2 picked up, the member is operated to its third position to bring the filter G before the lamp SL.

In the event pole changer PC is operated back from its upper position to its lower position, current first flows from positive terminal of battery Bl through contact member 22, conductor Ll, winding [3, reverse polar contact 8-l l, wire 28, asymmetric unit 24, wire 25, winding [2, conductor L2 and contact member 26 to the negative terminal of the battery, and magnet Ml alone is energized at normal polarity. Such reversal of the energization of magnet Ml causes the magnetic flux to die down, pass through zero and build up in the opposite direction, the neutral armature Al being released during the time the flux passes through zero so that when the energization builds up in the normal direction the polar armature PI is operated to the left where it mechanically locks the neutral armature AI at the released position. After such opera-' and member 20 is moved back from its third position to its second position.

It follows from the foregoing description that in Fig. 1 the windings of the two magnets are energized in series, the energization of magnet MI being of normal polarity or reverse polarity according to the normal or reverse polarity of the current of the supply circuit, and contact member 8 of magnet Ml together with asymmetric units 24 and 2'! serve to cause the current to flow always in the same direction through the windings of magnet M2. Also magnet M2 retains its neutral armature picked up during a pole changing period of the supply circuit due to the slow release characteristics of this magnet as effected by the asymmetric units 24 and 21.

In Fig. 2, the apparatus is imilar to that of Fig. 1 except the single contact member 8 actuated by polar armature PI is replaced by pole changing contact members 29 and 30, asymmetric units 24 and 21 are omitted and another asymmetric unit 3| is interposed in the connection between windings l4 and I5 of magnet M2, and the magnet M2 is provided with a short circuited winding 36.

It is believed that the apparatus of Fig. 2 can best be understood by a description of its operation, and assuming that the pole changer PC is at the mid position to disconnect battery Bl, the magnets MI and M2 are deenergized with the result both armatures AI and A2 are released and member 20 is actuated to its first position. With pole changer PC of Fig.2 moved to its lower position, current flows through conductor Ll, windings l3 and I 2 of magnet MI and conductor L2 back to battery, and magnet MI is energized at normal polarity as required to operate its polar armature Pl to the left where it looks the neutral armature AI at the released position and operates contact members 29 and 30.to the left to close normal polar contacts 32 and 33. Subsequent to such operation of magnet Ml, current flows from battery Bl through conductor Li, polar contact 29--32, winding M of magnet M2, asymmetric unit 3| in its forward direction, winding l5 of magnet M2,'p0lar contact 39-43 and conductor L2 back to battery Bl and magnet M2 is energized to pick up its neutral armature A2 so that the signal actuating member 20 is moved to its second position.

Operation of pole changer PC of Fig. 2 to its upper position reverses the current supplied to windings l2 and I3 of magnet M! and magnet MI is energized to operate its polar armature Pl to the right where it unlocks armature Al and moves contact members 29 and 30 to engage reverse polar contacts 34 and 35, respectively. Armature Al of magnet MI is now free to pick up. The closing of the reverse polar contacts of magnet Ml permits current to flow from battery Bi through conductor L2, reverse polar contact 30- 35, winding I4, asymmetric unit 3|, winding l5, reverse polar contact 29-34, and conductor Ll through the pole changer to battery Bi. This reversing of the connections to the windings Hi and [5 of magnet M2 by the contacts of magnet Ml causes current to flow in the windings of magnet M2 in the same direction, although the polarity of the current of the supply circuit has been reversed, and hence magnet M2 retains its neutral armature A2 in the picked-up position, magnet M2 being provided with a slow release characteristic due to the short circuited winding 36. With both armatures Al and A2 of Fig. 2 picked up, the associated signal actuating member 20 is moved to its third position.

It is to be observed that the asymmetric unit 3| blocks the flow of current through windings l4 and IS in the opposite direction during the .brief interval the normal polar contacts .32 and 33 of magnet Ml remain closed subsequent to movement of the pole changer PC to its upper position.

Operation of the pole changer PC of Fig. 2 back to the lower position, causes the energization of magnet Mi to be of normal polarity, with the result that the neutral armature Al is released as the flux of magnet Ml passes through zero and then is locked in the released position because polar armature PI is operated to the left as a result of such normal energization of the magnet. Also, the normal polar contacts 32 and 33 of magnet Mi are now closed and current flows in windings l4 and E5 of magnet M2 in the same direction as before, and its armature Al is held picked up so that member is moved back to the second position.

It follows that in Fig. 2, the magnets MI and M2 are energized from the supply circuit in mul- 1 tiple, magnet Ml is energized at normal or reverse polarity according to the polarity of the current of the supply circuit, and pole changing contact members 29 and 30 of magnet Ml serve to reverse the connection to the windings of magnet M2 so that magnet M2 is always energized at the same polarity. Also armature A! is mechanically locked at its released position when the magnet MI is energized at normal polarity, and the magnet M2 retains is neutral armature picked up during the pole changing period of the supply circuit due to the slow release period eiiected by the short circuited winding 36.

In Fig. 3, the apparatus is the same as in Fig. 1 except magnet M1 is varied in its construction in that polar armature P! and contact member 8 are removed. a hold down permanent magnet 31 is added and a contact member 38 is attached to the neutral armature Al.

Permanent magnet 31 is L-shaped having one end secured to the pole piece 2 of magnet MI and its other end extending underneath the free end of neutral armature Al. Thus armature Al in its released position is in close proximity to one pole of the permanent magnet 31. Assuming the lower end of permanent magnet 31 to be a north pole and its upper end to be a south pole, as indicated by the letters N and S in the drawings, end the windings l2 and 13 of magnet Ml are deencrgized, the armature A! drops under the influence of gravity to the released position, and under such conditions the permanent magnet 3'! exerts a pull on armature Al to assist in holding the armature at the released position. When windings l2 and I3 are energized by current that causes the pole piece 2 to become a south pole and pole piece I to become a north pole, the ma netic flux from permanent magnet 3'! and the flux from the electromagnet oppose each other and a point is reached at which the pull or attraction exerted on armature Al by the electromagnet exceeds the downward pull of the permanent magnet plus the force of gravity, and the armature A! is picked up. If when armature Al occupies its released position, the windings l2 and i3 are energized by current of a polarity that causes pole piece 2 to be a north pole and pole piece 1 to be a south pole, the flux of the electromagnet aids the flux of the permanent magnet and the armature Al is held at the released position.

In Fig. 3, the magnets MI and M2 are connected to the supply circuit in series in a manner similar to that in Fig. 1. When pole changer PC of Fig. 3 occupies its mid position and both magnets are deenergized, the member 20 is biased by gravity to its first position. When the pole changer occupies the left-hand position and current of normal polarity flows from the positive terminal of battery Bl through contact member '22, conductor Ll, winding 13, transfer contact 39 and back contact 40 of a continuity type of contact, windings l4 and I5 of magnet M2, asymmetric unit 24, wire 25, winding I2 of magnet Ml, condpctor L2 and pole changer contact member 28 to the negative terminal of battery Bl, the magnet MI is energized in a manner that its neutral armature Al is held at the released position, but the neutral armature A2 of magnet M2 is picked up, with the result that member 20 is operated to its second position in response to current of normal polarity of the supply circuit.

When pole changer PC of Fig. 3 is moved to the right-hand position, current flows from the positive terminal of battery Bl through conductor L2, winding I2, wire 25, asymmetric unit 21, back contact 3940 of magnet MI, winding l3 and conductor Ll to the other terminal of battery Bl. The energization of magnet MI is now such that its armature Al is free to pick up and windings l2 and [3 are directly across the line circuit and therefore over-energized which overcomes a stronger permanent magnet 31 than could otherwise be used. The opening of back contact 3940 and the closing of front contact can of magnet Ml connects windings l4 and I5 of the magnet M2 in series with the windings of magnet M1 to the supply circuit, current flowing. through windings l4 and 15 in the same direction as in the previous case. Since magnet M2 is slow to release due to asymmetric units 24 and 21, its armature A2 is retained picked up during this pole changing period of the supply circuit, and with both armatures Al and A2 picked up in response to current of reverse polarity supplied to the supply circuit, the member 20 is operated to its third position.

It follows that in Fig. 3 magnet MI is energized either at normal or reverse polarity according to the polarity of the current of the supply circuit, and is deenergized when the supply circuit is without current and its neutral armature Al is retained at the released position during the time the magnet MI is energized at normal polarity due to the function of permanent magnet 3'1. Also the contact members of magnet Ml, together with the asymmetric units 24 and 21, cause the current to flow in the windings of the magnet M2 always in the same direction irrespective of the polarity of the current of the supply circuit.

In Fig. 4, the apparatus is the same as in Fig. 3 except magnet MI is provided with pole changing contact members 4| and 42 operated by its neutral armature Al, magnet M2 is provided with a short circuited winding 36 to effect a predetermined slow release period, and the windings Ml and M2 are connected to the supply circuit in multiple, the same as in Fig. 2.

With pole changer PC of Fig. 4 set at the mid position the supply circuit is without current and member 20 is operated to its first position due to the force of gravity on the neutral arma tures of the magnets.

With pole changer PC of Fig. 4 set at the lefthand position, so that current of normal polarity is supplied to conductors LI and L2 of the supply circuit, the magnet Ml whose windings l2 and H are connected across the conductors LI and L2,

is energized at normal polarity and its neutral armature AI is held at the released position due to the action of permanent magnet 31. Current also flows through conductor LI, wire 43, back contact 42-44 of magnet MI, wire 45, winding I4, asymmetric unit 3|, winding I of magnet M2, wire 46, back contact 4I-41, wire 48 and conductor L2 back to the battery. Thus magnet M2 is energized and its neutral armature A2 is picked up to operate member to the second position. Operation of pole changer PC of Fig. 4 to its right-hand position, causes the current supplied to the conductors LI and L2 and in turn to the windings I2 and I3 of magnet MI to be of reverse polarity with the result that magnet MI is energized at reverse polarity and its neutral armature AI is picked up. The picking up of armature AI operates pole changing contact members H and 42 to pole change the connection of windings I4 and I5 of magnet M2 to the conductors LI and L2 of the supply circuit, and consequently current flows in the windings I4 and I5 in the same direction as before, and the armature A2 of magnet M2 is retained picked up, armature A2 being held in the picked-up position during the pole changing period of the supply circuit due to the slow release period of magnet M2 as effected by the short circuit winding 36. It is to be noted that asymmetric unit 3| blocks the flow of current through windings I4 and I5 in the opposite direction during the brief period back contacts 44 and 41 of magnet MI remain closed subsequent to movement of pole changer PC. With both neutral armatures A2 and AI in the picked-up position, the member 29 is moved to the third position. Operation of the apparatus of Fig. 4 in response to a movement of pole changer PC back to its left-hand position from the right-hand position is substantially the same as described for the apparatus of Fig. 2, and the description need not be repeated,

It follows that in Fig. 4, the magnet MI is energized at either normal or reverse polarity according to the position of the pole changer of the supply circuit and armature AI is retained at the A released position when the magnet MI is energized at normal polarity but ispicked up when it is energized at reverse polarity. Also pole changing contact members 4| and 42 of magnet MI serve to reverse the connection of' the windings of magnet M2 to the supply circuit so that magnet M2 is always energized at the same given polarity regardless of the polarity of the current of the supply circuit.

In Fig. 5, the apparatus is similar to that of Fig. 3, except magnet MI is modified by the permanent magnet 31 being removed and a differential winding 49 being added. Winding 49 is made of substantially the same number of turns as windings I2 and I3 taken together.

-With pole changer PC of Fig. 5 set at the mid position, both magnets are deenergized and member 20 is biased to its first position the same as in the previous forms of the apparatus. With pole changer PC of Fig. 5 set at the left-hand position, current is supplied through conductor LI, winding I3, back contact 3940, winding I4 of magnet M2, winding 49 of magnet MI, winding I5 of magnet M2, asymmetric unit 24, wire 25, winding I2 of magnet MI, conductor L2 and back to battery BI. Current thus flows in the several windings in series. Difi'erential Winding 49 is disposed to create a flux that opposes the flux created by windings I2 and I3 with the result that the resultant flux of magnet MI is substantially zero and its neutral armature AI is retained at the released position. Magnet M2, however, is energized to pick up its neutral armature A2, and member 20 is moved to the second position.

Assuming pole changer PC of Fig. 5 is moved to the right-hand position to reverse the polarity of the current supplied to conductors LI and L2, current flows through conductor L2 to winding I2, wire 25, asymmetric unit 21, back contact 39-40, winding I3 and through conductor LI to the supply source. Windings I2 and I3 of magnet MI are now energized, but winding 49 is without current and consequently magnet MI is energized to pick up its neutral armature Al. The opening of back contact 39-40 and the closing of -front contact 39-38 of magnet MI due to the picking up of armature AI interposes windings I4 and I5 of magnet M2 and winding 49 of magnet MI in the circuit connection to the supply circuit. Current now flows in windings I4, I5 and 49 in the same direction as in the previous case due to the transferring of the connection as effected by the contact 3839 of magnet MI and the action of asymmetric units 24 and 21, and armature A2 of magnet M2 is held at the pickedup position. It is to be observed that the flux created by winding 49 now is additive with respect to the flux created by windings I2 and I3 so that the armature AI of magnet MI is retained at the picked-up position. Both armatures AI and A2 being new picked up, the member 20 is operated to its third position. Operation of the apparatus of Fig. 5 in response to movement of the pole changer PC from the right-hand to the left-hand position is substantially the same as that described in connection with the apparatus of Fig. 3, and the description need not be repeated, except to point out that armature AI of magnet MI is released due to the reversal'of the energization of magnet MI and thenis subsequently held in its released position due tov the differential action of winding 49 of magnet MI.

Although the apparatus is disclosed with the two tractive armatures interconnected for operation of a searchlight signal it is apparent they can be used to operate other signaling means and also can be used to operate contacts for control of an operating circuit with the interconnection omitted.

Although I have herein shown and described several forms of control apparatus for railway signaling means embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein'within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a source of direct current and a pole changer, a first and a second electromagnet each having'a neutral armature, means structurally apart of said first electromagnet to overcome the attractive'force on its armature when that magnet is energized at normal polarity but not when the magnet is energized at reverse polarity, contact means structurally a part of said first electroe magnet operated from a first to a second position only when that magnet is conditioned to pick up its neutral armature, said first electromagnet'having a winding connected to said supply circuit to energize that magnet at a polarity corresponding to the polarity of the supply circuit current, said second electromagnet having'a winding connect ed to said supply circuit through said contact means to energize that magnet at the same given polarity irrespective of the polarity of the supply circuit current, a linkage to interconnect said armatures, and a signal actuating member connected to said linkage to operate the member to one position when only the armature of said second electromagnet is attracted to its second position and to a different position when both armatures are attracted to their second positions.

2. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a. source of direct current and a pole changer to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity, a first and a second electromagnet each having a neutral armature biased to a releasedposition and attracted to a picked-up position, means structurally a part of said first electromagnet to retain its armature at the released position when that magnet is energized at normal polarity but not when the magnet is energized at reverse polarity, contact means structurally a part of said first eleotromagnet operated from a first to a second position only when that magnet is energized at reverse polarity, said first electromagnet having its energizing winding connected to said supply circuit to receive current of normal or reverse polarity as predetermined by the position of said pole changer, said second electromagnet having its energizing winding connected to said supply circuit through said contact means to receive current that flows in that winding always in the same direction irrespective of the polarity of the supply circuit current, and a lever connected to both of said neutral armatures to connect saidrneutral armatures to a controlling member to operate that member to one position in response to supply circuit current of normal polarity and to a different position in response to supply circuit current of reverse polarity.

3. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a source of direct current and a pole changer to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity, a first and a second electromagnet each having a neutral armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up position. said first electromagnet provided'with magnetic means which retains the neutral armature of that magnet at the released position when that magnet is energized at normal polarity and which means is ineffective when that magnet is energized at reverse polarity, said first electromagnet provided with contact means operable to a first or a second position according as that magnet is energized at normal or reverse polarity, said first electromagnet provided with an energizing winding connected to said supply circuit to receive current of normal or reverse polarity as predetermined by the position of said pole changer, said second electromagnet provided with an energizing winding connected to said supply circuit through circuit connections controlled by said contact means'to receive current that flows always in the same direction irrespective of polarity of the supply circuit current, a signal actuating member operable to difierent positions, and linkage means to connect said actuating member to both of said neutral armatures to operate the member to one preselected position in response to a normal position of said pole changer and to a different preselected position in response to a reverse position of the pole changer.

4. In combination, a supply circuit including a circuit controller operable to three different positions for the circuit to supply direct current of either normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current, a first and a second electromagnet each having a tractive type armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up position, said first electromagnet having a polar armature which is disposed at its normal position to lock the tractive armature of that magnet at the released position, contact means connected to said polar armature to be operated to normal and reverse positions according to the normal and reverse positions of the polar armature, circuit means to connect energizing windings of said first and second electromagnets to said supply circuit and controlled in part by said contact means to deenergize said first electromagnet or to energize that magnet at normal or reverse polarity as predetermined by the position of said circuit controller and to deenerg'ze said second electromagnet or energize that magnet at a given polarity as predetermined by the position of the circuit controller; a signal actuating member, and a linkage connected to both of said tractive type armatures and to said signal actuating member for that member to be operated to a first position when both tract ve armatures are released, to a second position when the tractive armature of said first electromagnet is released and the tractive armature of said second electromagnet is picked up and to a third position when both such tractive armatures are picked up.

5. In combination, a supply circuit including a circuit controller 0 arable to three different positions for the circuit to supply direct current either of normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current, a pair of electromagnets each having a tractive type armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up pos tion, one of said electromagnets equipped with a polar armature Which is disposed at its normal position to lock the tractive armature of said one electromagnet at the released position, a contact member connected to said polar armature to engage a normal and a reverse polar contact in response to the normal and reverse positions of the polar armature, said normal and reverse polar contacts connected to the two terminals of a winding of the other one of the electromagnets, two asymmetric units in series connected to said terminals of said winding of said other magnet, a first winding of said one electromagnet having one terminal connected to one side of said supply circuit and its other terminal connected to a mid terminal of said asymmetric units, a second wind ng of said one electromagnet havin one terminal connected to the other side of said supply circuit and its other terminal connected to said contact member to reversibly energize said one magnet and to energize said other magnet always at the same polarity, a signal actuating member, and a linkage connected to both of said tractive type armatures and to said signal actuating member for that member to be actuated to three different positions according as said supply circuit supplies current of normal or reverse polarity or is conditioned to supply no current.

6. In combination, a supply circuit including a circuit controller operable to a normal or a reverse or an open position for the circuit to supply direct current of either normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current, a first and a second electromagnet each having a tractive type armature biased to a released position and attracted to a mal position to lock the tractive armature of that magnet at the released position, pole changing contact members connected to said polar ar mature and operated to normal and reverse positions according to the normal and reverse positions of the polar armature, said first electromagnet having an energizing Winding connected to said supply circuit to deenergizethat magnet or energize the magnet at either normal or reverse polarity in response to the open or normal or reverse position of said circuit controller, said second'electromagnet having an energizing winding connected to said supply circuit through sa (1 pole changing contact members to deenergize that in response to the open position of said circuit controller magnet or energize the magnet at a given polarity in response to either the normal or reverse position of said circuit controller, and said tractive type armatures interconnected by a lever to which lever a signal actuating member is connected to successively operate such actuat ing member to three different positions according as the supply circuit supplies no current or supplies current of normal polarity or of reverse polarity.

7. In combination, a supply circuit including a circuit controller operable to a normal or a reverse or an open position for the circuit to supply direct current of either normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current, a first and a second electromagnet each having a tractive type armature biased to a released position and at tracted to a picked-up position, said first electromagnet having a polar armature which is disposed at its normal position to lock the 'tractive.

armature of that magnet at the released position. pole changing contact members connected to sa'd polar armature and operated to normal and reverse positions according to the normal and reverse positions of the polar armature. said first electromagnet having an energizing winding connected to said'supply circuit to deenergize that magnet or energize the magnet at either normal or reverse polarity in response to the open or normal or reverse position of said circuit controller, said second electromagnet provided with slow release characteristics and having a first and a second energizing winding connected together through an asymmetric unit and disposed to add i the'r effects, said windings of the second electromagnet having their outside terminals connected to said supply circuit throu h said pole changing contact members to energize the second e1ectromagnet at the same polarity irrespective of the polarity. of the supply circuit current, said asym metric unit to block a reversal of the current through said second electromagnet windings at pole changing conditions of said supply circuit, and said tractive type armatures interconnected by a lever to which lever a signal actuating member is connected to selectively operate such actuat ng member to any one of three difierent positions according as the supply circuit supplies no current or supplies current of either normal or reverse polarity and momentarily movement of the actuating member during a change in the current of the supply circuit is avoided.

8. In combination, an electromagnet provided with a tractive type armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up position and with a polar armature operable to a normal and a reverse position, said polar armature disposed at a preselected one of its positions to mechanically lock the tractive armature at the.

released position to permit the tractive armature to be picked up only when the electromagnet is energized at a predetermined polarity, and signaling means governed by said tractive armature.

9. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a source of direct current and a pole changer to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity, a first and a second electromagnet each having a neutral armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up position, a permanent magnet made a part of said first electromagnet and disposed to hold the neutral armature of that electromagnet at the released position when that magnet is energized at normal polarity but not when, the magnet is energized at reverse polarity, pole changing contact members attached to the neutral armature of said first electromagnet, said first electromagnet having a winding connected to said supply circuit to energize that magnet at normal or reverse polarity according to the polarity of the supply circuit current, said second electromagnet having a winding connected to said supply circuit through said pole changing contact members to energize that magnet at the same polarity irrespective of the polarity of the supply circuit current, and said neutral armatures interconnected through a linkage to asignal actuating member to selectively operate the actuating member to either one of two different positions according to the polarity of the supply circuit current.

10. In combination, a supply circuit including a circuit controller operable to three difierent positions for the circuit to supply direct current of either normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current, a first and a second electromagnet each having a tractive type armature biased to a released position and attracted to a pickedup position when the respective magnet is energized, a permanent magnet made a part of said first electromagnet and disposed to retain the tractive armature of that electromagnet at the released position when that magnet is energized at normal polarity but not when energized at reverse polarity, pole changing contact members attached to the tractive armature of said first electromagnet, said first electromagnet having a winding connected to said supply circuit to energize that magnet at either normal or reverse polarity or to deenergize the magnet according as said circuit controller is set at its open or normal or reverse position, said second electromagnet having a Winding connected to said supply circuit through said pole changing contact members and an asymmetric unit to energize that magnet al ways at the same predetermined polarity or to deenergize that magnet according as said circuit controller is set at its normal or reverse position or is set at its open position, said asymmetric unit to avoid a momentary reversal of the energization of said sec-ond electromagnet subsequent to a change in the position of said circuit controller, and said tractive armatures interconnected to a signal actuating member to operate such actuating member to any one of three different positions according to the positions of said circuit controller.

11. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a source of direct current and a controller to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity or to supply no current according to a normal or a reverse or an open position of the controller, a first and a second electromagnet each having a neutral armature biased to a released position and attracted to a picked-up position, a permanent magnet made a part of said first electromagnet and disposed to hold the neutral armature of that electromagnet at thereleased position when that electromagnet is energized at normal polarity but not when the electromagnet is energized at reverse polarity, a contact member attached to the neutral armature of said first electromagnet to engage front and back contacts; circuit means including a pair of asymmetric units in series and said contact member to connect an operating Winding of each of said electromagnets in series to said supply circuit to deenergize both said electromagnets when no current is supplied to said circuits, to energize said first electromagnet at normal or reverse polarity according to the polarity of the current of said supply circuit and to energize said second electromagnet at the same polarity irrespective of the polarity of the current of the supply circuit; and said neutral armatures connected to a signal actuating member through a common linkage to operate said actuating member to a first, a second or a third position according as the supply circuit supplies no current, supplies current of normal polarity or current of reverse polarity.

12. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit including a source of direct current and a pole changer to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity, a first and a second electromagnet each having an armature biased to a first position and attracted toward a second position when the respcctive magnet is energized at either polarity, a contact member attached to the armature of said first electromagnet to engage a front or a back contact. said first electromagnet provided with a diiierential winding effective when energized in opposition to the energizing winding of that magnet to annul the flux created by such energizing winding, circuit means including an asymmetric unit and said contact member to serially connect the energizing windings of said first and second electromagnets and said differential winding to said supply circuit to pick up only the armature of the second electromagnet when the current of the supply circuit is of normal polarity and to pick up both said armatures when the current is of reverse polarity, and said armatures connected through a linkage to a signal actuating member to operate such actuating member to different positions according to the polarity of the current of the supply circuit.

13. In railway signal control apparatus the combination comprising, a supply circuit includ ing a source of direct current and a pole changer to supply current of either normal or reverse polarity, a first and a second electromagnet each having a neutral armature, a contact member attached to the armature of said first electromagnet to engage a front or a back contact, said first electromagnet provided with a differential winding efiective when energized in opposition to the energizing winding of that magnet to retain the armature of that magnet at its released position, a first circuit means including said contact member and back contact and a first asymmetric unit to connect in series the energizing winding of each of said electromagnets and said differential winding to said supply circuit with the differential winding in opposition to the energizing winding of said first electromagnet to pick up the armature of said second electromagnet only when the current of the supply circuit is of normal polarity, and a second circuit means including said contact member and-front contact and a second asymmetric unit to connect in series said energizing windings and said differential winding to said supply circuit with the differential winding aiding the energizing winding of the first magnet to pick up both said armatures when the current of the supply circuit is of reverse polarity.

WESLEY B. WELLS.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,561, 516. October 51, 19th.

WESLEY B. WELLS.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows Page 7, first column, line 15, claim 6, after that insert magnet-; line 16, same claim, after "controller" strike out -magnet-; page 8, first column, line and that the said Letters 15, claim 11, for "circuits" read --circuit; Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may 0on form to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 25rd day of January, A. D. 19h5.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) so ting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE O CORRECTION. Patent No. 2, 61, 16. Octoberjl, 19th.

WESLEY B. WELLS.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows Page 7, first column, line 15, claim 6, after "that" insert -magnet-- line 16, same claim, after "controller" strike out -magnet; page 8, first column, line 15, claim 11, for "circuits" read --oircuit-; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction. therein that the same may con form to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 25rd day of January, A. D. 19LL5.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) l ic ting Commissioner of Patents 

